Drain apparatus and method for use therewith

ABSTRACT

A drain apparatus includes an entry section for being coupled to a source of fluid, an exit section for being coupled to a drain, a cleanout section for receiving pressure, and a valve system. In a first mode of the valve system, a first path between the entry system and the exit section is open. In a second mode, a second path between the cleanout section and the exit section is open while the first path is blocked.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to drains and more particularly to drainsfor which the remediation of a clog is desirable. Specifically, a clogin a drain is removed in a desirable manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 5 is a side view of a drain apparatus in accordance with the priorart. Such a drain apparatus typically includes drain clean out unit 160.Drain clean out unit 160 is coupled to an apparatus from which a fluid(i.e. water) flows. As an example, condensate may drain out of an airconditioning unit in the form of water. Such water enters drain cleaningunit 160 at entry section 162. As shown, the water flows into entrysection 162 and then flows downward into exit section 164. Exit section164 is coupled to P-trap 105 by way of entry coupler 130. The waterflows into the P-trap 105 and then out of the P-trap and into a maindrain. P-trap 105 is coupled to the main drain (not shown) by way ofexit coupler 120.

The water flowing into P-trap 105 is typically not clean water.Bacteria, virus, and other materials are found in the water flowingthrough P-trap 105. Over time, the various materials included in thewater adhere to the walls of P-trap 105. Thus, bacteria adhering to thewalls of P-trap 105 is able to thrive in a location which isparticularly desirable for the growth of bacteria. The interior ofP-trap 105 is dark, moist, and enclosed (which thus makes it difficultto clean). Therefore, over time, a clog will form. Such a clog 110 isshown in FIG. 5. As clog 110 becomes more and more substantial (e.g. asthe bacteria in P-trap 105 continues to grow and grow), the ability forwater to drain from a drain outlet and through drain cleanout unit 160becomes more and more impaired. This may cause an undesirableaccumulation of bacteria laden water in P-trap 105, and possibly indrain cleanout unit 160, as well. In such a circumstance, it isdesirable to remove clog 110.

For purposes of removing clog 110, and as also illustrated in FIG. 6,drain cleanout unit 160 is included with various cleanouts. Thus, on anend of cleanout section 166, cleanout cap 145 is included. Cleanout cap145 may be a threaded member which screws onto a corresponding threadedarea of cleanout section 166. Cleanout cap 145 includes cleanout opening150. Cleanout opening 150 is normally sealed by cleanout plug 140.

Typically, in order to remove clog 110, cleanout plug 140 is removed anda source of pressurized gas (not shown) is coupled to cleanout opening150. By blowing pressurized gas into cleanout section 166, thepressurized gas flows into P-trap 105 with the intention of pushing clog110 into the main drain (not shown). Unfortunately, the pressurized gasalso blows into entry section 162, into the drain outlet (not shown),and into the apparatus (i.e. the air conditioning unit) from which thefluid drains. Thus the use of pressurized gas will push bacteria ladenwater accumulating in P-trap 105 (and cleanout unit 160) into the airconditioning unit. In some cases, the pressurized gas may be enough thatthe bacteria laden water comes out of such an air conditioning unit andinto the room that the air conditioning unit is cooling. If the airconditioning unit is above the ceiling, then the bacteria laden waterwill drip onto the ceiling. This can readily lead to the growth of moldin the ceiling. As will be well appreciated, this is a very unhealthysituation.

FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration where a plurality of heat pumps 700drain water. The water from each heat pump 700 drains into eachrespective P-trap 105. From P-trap 105, the water drains into transversedrain section 730, and then into descending drain section 750. Traversedrain section 730 is, for example, above ceiling tile 720. As wasdiscussed previously with regards to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, it is verypossible that clog 740 will form. To clear the clog, cleanout 710 isremoved and pressurized gas is blown into traverse drain section 730.While this may have the effect of pushing clog 740 out of the drain,this again may also have the effect of causing bacteria or mold ladenwater to be blown into any heat pump 700. Again, from there, theunhealthy water may be blown into living or working quarters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A drain apparatus includes a first pipe end for being coupled to asource of fluid, a second pipe end for being coupled to a drain, acleanout for receiving pressure, and a valve system. In a first mode ofthe valve system, a first path between the first pipe end and the secondpipe end is open. In a second mode, a second path between the cleanoutand the second pipe end is open while the first path is blocked.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side view and partial perspective view of a drain apparatusand a clogged drain in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. Some internal features of the drain apparatus areshown. In FIG. 1, a ball valve is oriented to permit draining of aliquid.

FIG. 2 is a side view and partial perspective view of a drain apparatusand a clogged drain in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. In FIG. 2, the ball valve is oriented to permit cleanout of a clogged drain.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a ball valve in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 a is a top view of a drain apparatus in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 b is a sectional view of the drain apparatus shown in FIG. 4 ataken along section line 4 b-4 b.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a drain apparatus and a clogged drain inaccordance with the prior art.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a drain apparatus and a clogged drain inaccordance with the prior art. In this drawing, cleanout procedures areillustrated.

FIG. 7 is a side view of multiple heat pumps which are connected to adrain system in accordance with the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown with referenceto FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, a source (not shown) of drain fluid has a drainoutlet which is connected to the open end of entry section 162 of draincleanout unit 160. The fluid (i.e. water), flows into entry section 162and down exit section 164. Exit section 164 is coupled to P-trap 105 byway of entry coupler 130. The fluid flows through P-trap 105 and into amain drain (not shown). P-trap 105 is coupled to the main drain by wayof exit coupler 120.

As previously discussed with regards to the prior art, the fluid flowingthrough P-trap 105 is often contaminated with various substances (e.g.bacteria, mold, sludge, etc.). Thus, over time, clog 110 forms. Again,P-trap 105 is a very desirable place for the formation of clog 110because of the darkness, moisture, and lack of accessibility forcleaning purposes. Thus, as clog 110 becomes more and more pronounced,the ability of fluid to drain through P-trap 105 becomes more and moreimpaired.

Drain cleanout unit 160 includes cleanout section 166. Situated withincleanout section 166 is ball valve 300. A perspective view of ball valve300 is shown in FIG. 3. Ball valve 300 includes channels 306, 308 and310 which all intersect at a location interior to ball 300. In anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, entry shaft 306 andcleanout shaft 308 are situated at 90 degrees relative to each other.Furthermore, exit shaft 310 is situated at 90 degrees relative to bothentry shaft 306 and cleanout shaft 308. Thus, if it is assumed that theopening of cleanout shaft 308 is situated at the front of ball valve 300and the opening of entry shaft 306 is situated on the left side of ballvalve 300, then the opening of exit shaft 310 is situated at the bottomof ball valve 300.

Ball valve 300 includes handle 302 which is used for rotating ball valve300 into various positions. Handle 302 is coupled to the top (asillustrated) location of ball valve 300 by way of shaft 304.

Referring again to FIG. 1, during normal draining operation, ball valve300 is situated in a first position (or first mode). In this firstposition, the opening of entry shaft 306 faces towards entry section162. Furthermore, the opening of exit shaft 310 faces towards exitsection 164. Finally, the opening of cleanout shaft 308 faces towards aninterior wall of cleanout section 166. Thus, as fluid is draining out ofthe drain outlet (not shown), the fluid flows through entry section 162,through entry shaft 306, through exit shaft 310, through exit section164 and into P-trap 105. As previously discussed, over time, clog 110forms.

FIG. 2 illustrates how clog 110 in P-trap 105 is removed. As shown inFIG. 2, ball valve 300 has been rotated, for example, 90 degrees. In theillustration shown for illustrative purposes only, ball valve 300 hasbeen rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise (when looked at from above).Thus, in the second orientation (or second mode) shown in FIG. 2, theopening of cleanout shaft 308 is now facing cleanout opening 150. Now,as well, the opening of entry shaft 306 is facing an interior wall ofcleanout section 166. As before, the opening of exit shaft 310 is facingexit section 164.

In order to remove clog 110, a source of pressurized gas (i.e.pressurized nitrogen) is used. Cleanout plug 140 is removed fromcleanout cap 145, thus exposing the interior of cleanout section 166 viacleanout opening 150. A hose from the source of pressurized gas isinserted into cleanout opening 150 and the pressurized gas is applied.Because ball valve 300 is in the second orientation, the pressurized gaswill flow through cleanout section 166, through cleanout shaft 308,through exit shaft 310, through exit section 164, and into P-trap 105.Thus, the pressurized gas exerts pressure against clog 110 in order topush clog 110 into the main drain (not shown). What is important to notein FIG. 2 is that the opening of entry shaft 306 no longer permits gasto flow into entry section 162. Thus, bacteria laden water andpressurized gas are prevented from being pushed towards the source ofthe draining fluid (i.e. the air conditioner, heat pump) etc.

After clog 110 has been pushed into the main drain (not shown), thepressurized gas is removed, cleanout plug 140 is inserted into cleanoutopening 150, and ball valve 300 is rotated back into the firstorientation. In this manner, draining fluid again flows from entrysection 162 into P-trap 105.

A top view of drain cleanout unit 160 is shown with reference to FIG. 4a. In FIG. 4 a, ball valve 300 is in the first orientation so thatdraining fluid flows from entry section 162 into P-trap 105.

FIG. 4 b is a cross sectional view of drain cleanout unit 160 takenalong section line 4 b-4 b. As shown in FIG. 4 b, gaskets 201, 202, 203and 204 are included. Gasket 201 is situated about shaft 304.Furthermore, gasket 201 is situated between ball valve 300 and cleanoutsection 166. Gasket 201 prevents liquid flowing within drain cleanoutunit 160 from escaping through the opening by which shaft 304 is coupledto ball valve 300.

Gasket 202 is located substantially below ball valve 300 and betweenball valve 300 and cleanout section 166. Thus, ball valve 300 rests ongasket 202 and rotates coincidentally with the circular shape of gasket202. Gasket 204 is situated between ball valve 300 and an inner sidewall of cleanout section 166. In FIG. 1, the opening of cleanout shaft308 is facing gasket 204. In FIG. 2, the opening of entry shaft 306 isfacing gasket 204. Gasket 204 may be, for example, a solid piece ofrubber that is affixed to the inner wall of cleanout section 166. Thus,in FIG. 1, gasket 204 prevents draining fluid from leaking out throughcleanout shaft 308. Furthermore, in FIG. 2, gasket 204 preventscompressed air from leaking out of entry shaft 306.

Gasket 203 is also included. Gasket 203 is desirably placed opposite togasket 204. Gasket 203 helps maintain the position of ball valve 300within cleanout section 166.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, cleanout section 166 has a wider diameter than entrysection 162. The respective diameters of the two sections are merelyexemplary. Each section can have other diameters. Also, as is shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a portion of cleanout section 166 is rounded tocoincide with the shape of ball valve 300. Again, this shape is merelyexemplary.

Furthermore, in FIG. 3, entry shaft 306 and cleanout shaft 308 are shownwith different diameters. These different diameters are merelyexemplary.

The drawings have been shown with components having other variousrelationships relative to each other. It is understood that the drawingsare not drawn to scale, and the relative dimensions of various partsthat appear in the drawings are merely exemplary.

By thus rotating ball valve 300 while pressurized gas is blown intodrain cleanout unit 160, the pressurized gas is isolated from the sourceof the drain fluid (e.g. air conditioner, heat pump, etc.). Thus, simplyturning handle 302 blocks the path towards the apparatus which isproducing the drain fluid. In this manner, gas or fluid is preventedfrom being pushed into the apparatus. The propelling of dirty water intothe unit, or, in some circumstances, the leaking of such dirty waterinto living space is prevented.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein withreference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to belimited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be madein the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claimsand without departing from the invention.

1. A drain apparatus, comprising: an entry section for being coupled toa source of fluid an exit section for being coupled to a drain acleanout section for receiving pressure a valve system having: a) afirst mode, in which a first path between said entry section and saidexit section is open; and b) a second mode, in which a second pathbetween said cleanout section and said exit section is open and saidfirst path is blocked.
 2. A drain apparatus according to claim 1, saidvalve system having a valve which includes three channels that intersectin said valve, wherein in said first mode, said first path extends alonga first channel and a second channel of said three channels and anopening of a third channel of said three channels is blocked, and insaid second mode, said second path extends along said second channel andsaid third channel and an opening of said first channel is blocked.
 3. Adrain apparatus according to claim 2, further including a pivot memberfor turning said valve between said first mode and said second mode. 4.A drain apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said source of fluid isa condensate water drain outlet.
 5. A method of cleaning a drain, saidmethod comprising the steps of: a) adjusting a valve system so that afirst path between a source of fluid and a drain is blocked and a secondpath between a clean out and a drain is open. b) applying pressure atsaid clean out while the second path is open. c) adjusting said valvesystem after said pressure has been applied so that said first path isopen.
 6. A method of cleaning a drain according to claim 5 wherein stepsa) and c) include the steps of moving a valve having three channels thatintersect therein so that in a first mode said first path extends alonga first channel and a second channel of said three channels and anopening of a third channel of said three channels is blocked; and in asecond mode, said second path extends along said second channel and saidthird channel and an opening of said first channel is blocked.
 7. Amethod of cleaning a drain according to claim 6, wherein steps a) and c)each include the step of rotating a pivot member to rotate said valvebetween said first mode and said second mode.
 8. A method of cleaning adrain according to claim 5, wherein said source of fluid is a condensatewater drain outlet.
 9. A drain apparatus, comprising: a first pipe end;a second pipe end; a clean out end; a ball valve situated between saidfirst end and said second end; said ball valve including three channelsthat intersect therein; said ball valve rotated in a first orientationto establish a first path between said first end and said second end;said ball valve rotated in a second orientation to establish a secondpath between said clean out end and said first end so that said firstpath is blocked.
 10. A drain apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, insaid first orientation, said first path extends along a first channeland a second channel of said three channels and an opening of a thirdchannel of said three channels is blocked, and in said secondorientation, said second path extends along said second channel and saidthird channel and an opening of said first channel is blocked.
 11. Amethod of cleaning a drain, said method comprising the steps of: a)rotating a ball valve into an orientation to establish a path between aclean out and one end of a pipe system while blocking a further pathbetween said clean out and another end of said pipe system. b) applyingpressure along said path. c) after applying the pressure, rotating saidball valve into a further orientation to establish said further path.12. A method of cleaning a drain according to claim 11 wherein, prior tostep a), condensate water flows from said another end of said pipesystem to said one end of said pipe system.
 13. A ball valve,comprising: a ball member; a pivot member for rotating said ball memberabout an axis, said ball member including three channels extending froman outside surface of said ball member to an intersection within saidball member.
 14. A drain apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidentry section and said exit section substantially form a right angle.15. A drain apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cleanoutsection and said exit section substantially form a right angle.
 16. Adrain apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said cleanout section andsaid exit section substantially form a right angle.